FEA CFD Analysis

Data from 3D scanners can be utilized for CFD and FEA simulation and analysis. The benefit with ATOS is the accurate scan data and the ability to regularize the mesh which helps CFD/FEA software packages read in the data and measurements. CFD, Computational Fluid Dynamics, simulates the fluid flow by calculating the interaction of liquids and gases with surfaces. CFD analysis is widely used for wind tunnel and flight testing. FEA, Finite Element Analysis, is the virtual simulation of geometry to assist in calculating displacement, stress and strain under internal and external loads.

In simplest terms, 3D scanners measures the geometries of a physical part and brings it into the digital world. The data output is typically a point-cloud represented in STL (stereolithography) file format. This data is used throughout the design to manufacturing product life cycle for various applications: creating a CAD model, inspection analysis, reverse engineering, CFD/FEA analysis, rapid prototyping, and more.